By Mark Vester

Unbeaten middleweight prospect Andy Lee (14-0, 11KOs) is hoping some potential dates on HBO will pave the way for a meeting with WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik.

Speaking with the Irish Examiner , Lee says trainer Emanuel Steward is currently in talks with HBO to land him a spot on their "Boxing After Dark" series, followed up by a televised fight on a future "World Championship Boxing" telecast. Steward is a member of HBO's broadcast team, and may use his influence with the network to get his fighter some air time.

Last week, Steward told BoxingScene.com that Lee is on a "one fight per month" program. Lee plans to make at least twelve ring appearances in 2008, with a high hope of landing Pavlik before the year is out. Steward feels that Lee will have no problems in beating Pavlik. Lee returns in Limerick, Ireland on February 2.

“They are talking about it but that does not put me under any pressure,” Lee said. “I know I am not ready for it yet but I am getting there — I am going in the right direction — and if I have three or four fights within this year with some of the bigger names, I might be line for something like that. I know Emanuel is in talks with HBO and they will put me on some of their big fights first — HBO After Dark and then full blown HBO — so come September I could be in the top three or four in the rankings. It all happens so fast. All it takes is one good victory and you are there. You are in the right position to challenge for the title."

Right now, Lee is not focused on fighting Pavlik, he is more focused on getting himself in position to challenge for a major title. Once he gets himself in position, then he will look for the shot. 

“All I really want to do is to get myself into that position. I am not thinking about fighting for the world title. I am thinking about getting myself into pole position where I will be able to fight for the title. So my first goal is to get there and then just be ready when the time comes.”

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